Is Central Conway safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Central Conway as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Central Conway
“Go. Central Conway is a charming, historic riverfront district that offers a quiet and generally secure atmosphere compared to the busier coastal strips. While surrounding parts of Conway have elevated property crime rates, the downtown core and Riverwalk area remain safe and welcoming for daytime and evening visitors.”
About the area
Central Conway serves as the historic county seat of Horry County, characterized by moss-draped live oaks, brick-paved streets, and a scenic Waccamaw River backdrop. It offers a relaxed, small-town Southern environment distinct from the bustling beach resorts to the east.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Riverfront
- Small-Town Charm
- Pedestrian-Friendly
Walking and biking in Central Conway
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 54/100
Central Conway features calm, low-speed historic streets suitable for cycling, with direct access to the Conway Riverwalk, though dedicated bike lanes are scarce.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Active local police presence and pedestrian-friendly historic business district
- Scenic and well-lit Riverwalk park along the Waccamaw River
- High concentration of established, locally owned businesses and civic institutions
Cons
- Elevated property crime rates in adjacent residential blocks outside the historic center
- Above-average local poverty rates in surrounding areas of Horry County
- Streets empty out significantly after business hours, requiring standard night awareness
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the historic center, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near transit stops or around public parks.
What Central Conway is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with joggers on the Riverwalk and locals grabbing breakfast along Main Street.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and lively with civic workers, museum visitors, and shoppers, maintaining high safety levels.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting around downtown dining venues, though quieter residential outskirts require regular awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet after bars close; street lighting is generally good along main avenues but walking alone late is best minimized.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited; Coast RTA Route 7 connects downtown Conway with Coastal Carolina University and Myrtle Beach, though most visitors rely on personal vehicles.
Free on-street parking is readily available throughout downtown, along with several free public surface lots near the riverfront and civic center.
Things to do in Central Conway
- Stroll along the Conway Riverwalk and enjoy scenic views of the Waccamaw River
- Explore regional history and wildlife exhibits at the Horry County Museum
- Shop for antiques and local crafts along historic Main Street and 3rd Avenue
Local favorites
- Rivertown Bistro · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Upscale Southern culinary classics served in a chic, multi-level downtown space.
- Hop N' Wich · Sandwich Shop & Taproom · 4.7★ (380)Gourmet sandwiches and craft beers in a casual, family-friendly setting.
- C3 Coffee Bar · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (410)Artisanal espresso drinks, pastries, and a cozy workspace in the heart of downtown.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.